Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Treachery Unveiled: The Standard for Qualifying Circumstances in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven with equal certainty as the crime itself, not presumed from the killing.
Hierarchy of Courts: Why Choosing the Right Court Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why litigants must respect the hierarchy of courts when appealing trial court decisions.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
Term Limits and Recall Elections: When a Break in Service Allows a Fourth Term
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an involuntary break, like a recall election, resets the three-term limit for local officials.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Misappropriated Funds
Supreme Court ruling on when misappropriating advance payments constitutes estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Group Criminal Acts: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine conspiracy and treachery in group crimes, and what this means for criminal liability.
Remand and Redistricting: The Supreme Court's Ruling on BAA 77 and BARMM Elections
The Supreme Court struck down BAA 77 as unconstitutional, halting the October 13, 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections. Learn the key rules.
Electoral Rights vs Public Order: Balancing Presence and Security During Canvassing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between a candidate's right to be present during canvassing and police security measures.
Duty to Act: Estoppel in Questioning Credit Account Statements
When silence on a credit statement binds a debtor. The Supreme Court explains estoppel, litis pendentia, and the burden of proof.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, affirming conviction where a victim was attacked without warning or chance to defend.
Passion and Obfuscation in Homicide: When Jealousy Mitigates Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a betrayed spouse's passion and obfuscation can reduce murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Passion and Obfuscation: How Jealousy Can Reduce Murder to Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when passion and obfuscation can downgrade a murder charge to homicide, and how self-defense claims are weighed.
Rape Conviction Stands Even Without Physical Injury: Absence of Genital Wounds Does Not Mean Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: rape of a mentally incapacitated victim needs no genital injury; absence of wounds does not imply consent.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, emphasizing sudden, unexpected attacks that deprive victims of any chance to defend themselves.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employee Rights in Philippine Administrative Law
When can a 90-day preventive suspension be extended? The Supreme Court clarifies employee rights and the limits of disciplinary authority.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.
Citizenship and Residency: Defining Electoral Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how citizenship and residency requirements apply to candidates for local elective office in the Philippines.
Seafarers' Employment Status: Contractual, Not Regular, Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: The Millares Ruling on Fixed-Term Overseas Work
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees under Philippine law, and explains the limits of Article 280.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Failure of Election Grounds and Remedies in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election and why election protests, not annulment, address fraud claims.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: Understanding Penalties and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
A guide to how Philippine courts treat rape with a deadly weapon, the penalties involved, and when aggravating circumstances apply.